There’s something profoundly therapeutic about stepping into a warm, enclosed space and letting the heat ease away the day’s tensions. For centuries, saunas have been celebrated not only for their relaxation benefits but also for their potential contributions to wellness. Today, home saunas are no longer reserved for luxury spas—they are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners seeking a more holistic approach to self-care.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of indulgence to your bathroom or create a dedicated wellness zone in your home, this guide covers everything you need to know about buying the right sauna—from types and sizes to features and health benefits.
What Is a Sauna?
A sauna is a heated room designed to promote sweating, relaxation, and detoxification. Traditional saunas use dry heat generated by a stove or heater, while newer variants, such as infrared saunas, use light waves to directly warm the body. Regardless of type, the core function remains the same: raising body temperature to trigger a range of health benefits.
Types of Saunas
Choosing the right sauna starts with understanding the different types available. Each offers unique experiences and fits different home setups and personal preferences.
1. Traditional Finnish Sauna
This is the classic dry sauna, usually made from wood and heated with stones placed over an electric or wood-fired stove. Water can be poured onto the stones to create steam, enhancing the heat and humidity. Traditional saunas typically reach temperatures between 70°C to 100°C.
They’re ideal for those who enjoy intense heat and the ritual of steaming. The traditional design also adds a rustic, spa-like touch to the home.
Jaquar Sri Lanka’s range includes traditional-style cabin saunas with beautiful timber interiors and reliable heat controls—well suited for both wellness enthusiasts and newcomers.
2. Infrared Sauna
Instead of heating the air, infrared saunas use radiant heat to warm the body directly. This allows for lower ambient temperatures (around 50°C to 60°C) while still inducing a deep sweat. Infrared saunas are energy-efficient and offer a gentler experience, making them popular among users with heat sensitivity.
They’re also appreciated for their compact size and quick warm-up times, which make them ideal for modern urban homes or compact bathroom extensions.
Jaquar offers infrared sauna cabins designed with sleek wood finishes and smart temperature regulation, providing a contemporary alternative to traditional setups.
3. Steam Room (Often Confused with Saunas)
While not technically a sauna, steam rooms are worth mentioning. They use moist heat (100% humidity) at lower temperatures, offering a different sensory and therapeutic experience. Steam rooms are great for respiratory health and skin hydration but are structurally different from dry saunas and require different materials and ventilation.
Jaquar Sri Lanka provides separate steam solutions, but if your interest leans more toward dry or infrared heat, stick with proper sauna models.
Choosing the Right Sauna Size
The size of your sauna will depend on space availability, usage frequency, and how many people will typically use it. Here are a few standard options:
- Single-person units: Perfect for small homes, apartments, or private use. These are compact, quick to heat, and easy to install.
- Two-to-four person saunas: Ideal for couples or small families. These offer more space while still being manageable for indoor installation.
- Larger cabins (six or more): Best for larger households or entertaining. These require dedicated space and careful planning for ventilation and power supply.
Jaquar’s sauna cabins come in a variety of sizes, with thoughtful layouts and ergonomic benches, ensuring both comfort and space efficiency.
Key Features to Consider
When investing in a home sauna, a few essential features can make a big difference in comfort, safety, and long-term satisfaction.
1. Materials and Build Quality
The interior of a sauna should be made from high-quality, heat-resistant wood such as hemlock or cedar. These woods not only withstand high temperatures but also emit a pleasant aroma and resist warping over time.
Jaquar’s saunas are crafted using premium wood panelling, contributing to both durability and aesthetic appeal.
2. Temperature Control and Timers
Look for models with digital controls for temperature, humidity, and session timing. These allow you to personalise your experience and maintain consistent conditions.
Most Jaquar saunas offer intuitive control panels, so adjusting your session to your liking becomes effortless.
3. Lighting and Ambience
Good lighting transforms the sauna experience from simply functional to truly indulgent. Many modern saunas include LED lighting or chromotherapy options—mood lighting that enhances relaxation and overall well-being.
In Jaquar’s designs, integrated lighting elements provide a calming atmosphere that complements the warmth of the wood and heat.
4. Ventilation and Safety
Ventilation is crucial for user safety and comfort. A good sauna should allow for air circulation to prevent overheating and to maintain air quality. Always ensure your unit has adequate airflow systems and follows electrical safety standards.
Health Benefits of Sauna Use
Incorporating sauna sessions into your wellness routine can offer several physical and mental health advantages:
- Stress Relief: The heat stimulates endorphin release and lowers cortisol, helping you unwind and sleep better.
- Improved Circulation: Raised body temperature promotes blood flow and cardiovascular function.
- Detoxification: Sweating helps remove toxins and cleanses the skin.
- Muscle Recovery: The warmth soothes sore muscles, reduces stiffness, and promotes recovery after exercise.
- Respiratory Health: Particularly in steam or slightly humid dry saunas, the heat can open airways and ease congestion.
While saunas are not a medical cure-all, consistent use as part of a healthy lifestyle can improve overall wellness and encourage mindful downtime.
Where Should You Install a Home Sauna?
Most saunas are modular and adaptable to different spaces. Common locations include:
- Bathrooms or Ensuite Areas: Ideal for compact infrared units or smaller traditional saunas.
- Dedicated Wellness Rooms: If you have a spa or gym area, this offers an immersive experience.
- Outdoor Setups: Weather-protected saunas can be installed in gardens or patios, especially for larger cabins.
Installation services, such as those offered by Jaquar Sri Lanka, ensure proper electrical and ventilation considerations are taken care of—especially important for first-time buyers.
Conclusion
Bringing a sauna into your home is more than just a design decision—it’s a lifestyle investment. Whether you favour the intense dry heat of a Finnish sauna or the gentle warmth of an infrared model, the right sauna can offer countless wellness benefits and a quiet escape from daily stress.
By understanding the different types, sizes, and features available, you’ll be better equipped to choose a solution that aligns with your space, habits, and health goals.
Jaquar Sri Lanka’s carefully curated sauna range is designed for those who value wellness, design, and performance in equal measure. With thoughtful craftsmanship, contemporary features, and reliable support, their sauna cabins offer a seamless blend of relaxation and luxury—right at home.